All Blacks legend Tana Umaga warns that Moana Pasifika’s potential departure from Super Rugby Pacific could enable rugby league to dominate Samoa and Tonga, threatening their Rugby World Cup qualifications.
Moana Pasifika’s Uncertain Future
Umaga, the outgoing coach of Moana Pasifika, voiced these concerns following his team’s defeat to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney. After five seasons, the franchise faces closure as owners confirm they will cease funding beyond this year. Players and staff cling to hope amid New Zealand Rugby’s discussions with potential investors. One group actively seeks backers to acquire the license.
Launched in 2022 with World Rugby backing, Moana Pasifika provides high-level play for Samoan and Tongan talents, based in Auckland due to logistical challenges. Despite struggles, Umaga emphasizes its role as a vital pathway for emerging players.
Bridging the International Gap
Umaga highlights the significant gap in international standings for Samoa and Tonga. “The gap between where we are currently in terms of Samoa and Tonga internationally to where we need to get to is very big,” he states. “And if we don’t have opportunities like Moana to keep bridging that gap, then it’s going to be tough.”
Samoa barely qualified for the last World Cup, with Tonga scraping through previously. Without such platforms, future qualification risks grow.
Rugby League’s Growing Threat
Rugby league gains traction in both nations, bolstered by NRL funding from the Australian government tied to Papua New Guinea expansion. Pacific Islanders comprise nearly 40% of NRL players. Umaga fears a mass shift: “If there’s nothing to compete against, then I’m sure that [league taking over] is probably something that we’ve got to be thinking about. That’s the real risk.”
“Rugby league’s got a great product at the moment, and it’s very popular. They’ve got a lot of money that’s being put into it, and they’re all over the islands promoting it.” Without elite rugby pathways, rugby’s status as the national sport in Samoa and Tonga hangs in balance.
Future Pathways and Funding
Tonga and Samoa anticipate $50 million each in Australian government funding over five years. Plans include their teams, alongside Fiji, in an expanded Super Rugby AUS, mirroring the Fijian Drua’s path from the National Rugby Championship to Super Rugby.
Umaga supports this: “To make rugby stronger, you’ve got to have these pathways and these opportunities for these players to learn how to be better professionals and how to play in high-performance environments.” He stresses off-field professionalism alongside talent: “You don’t just turn up on a Saturday and play rugby like you did Tuesday, Thursday, training for an hour and a half at night.”
Angus Bell Faces Sideline Setback
Wallabies prop Angus Bell sustains a left ankle injury during Ulster’s match against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship. On sabbatical from Australian rugby, Bell risks missing July Tests. Scans will determine his recovery timeline. He overcame prior foot issues in 2022-2024 but thrived in 2025.
